After a sudden break in the football calendar caused by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) resumes this weekend with a condensed game week of just seven matches.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool and Manchester United vs. Leeds in the Premier League have been postponed because of worries over the Queen’s state funeral on Monday, September 17. The match between Brighton and Crystal Palace, which was initially postponed because of rail strikes, will also be rescheduled at a later time.
FPL managers will thus have a smaller selection to choose from in Gameweek 8 and could need to reorganize their teams as a consequence. With only 14 clubs to pick from, Gameweek 8 team leans heavily on Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham. With the likes of Trent James and Dalot out of Gameweek 8. Many FPL managers will be worried about their backline this week.
Everyone in charge of an FPL team, relax; we’re here to assist you. Here are our top three Defenders recommendations for your Fantasy Premier League teams.
3 Picks for FPL Gameweek 8: Defenders
Ivan Perisic (Spurs)
Perisic was signed from Inter Milan at the start of the season. Conte has decided to see Ivan Perisic in a different way. He has been using him as a left wing-back at Spurs. Perisic since joining Spurs has been an influential player whenever called upon.
So far he has started in 3 out of 6 games for Spurs and has recorded 2 assists. His xA 1.09 has produced eight opportunities for him. He is a tremendous offensive player and a great option against any team when he begins.
Spurs are playing a 20th position team in Leicester that too at their home stadium. The London team has only let up five goals, has an xGC of 4.9, and seems to be strong defensively. Perisic can expect to get returns from both ends of the field in this match. Thus FPL managers can include him in their list of defenders for GW8.
Kieren Trippier (Newcastle United)
The second name on our list of defenders comes from Newcastle Kieren Trippier. Tripper has been a solid signing for Newcastle United. He has given returns at both ends of the pitch. Offensively he is a threat while defensively is very solid at the right back role.
his season so far he has scored one goal and kept three clean sheets in 6 games. He has registered an xG of 0.32 and created 11 chances with an xA of 0.82. Another advantage of having Tripper is he is also a Newcastle set piece taker. Tripper is also known to whip in accurate crosses from that right-hand side which has led to many goals in the premier league.
With Newcastle facing Bournemouth this game week. Who is struggling this season? It is a perfect fixture for Tripper to record points at both ends of the pitch. Offensively he can either score from set pieces or can provide an assist from a cross. Defensively Newcastle expected to keep a clean sheet against struggling opposition. Thus Kieren Trippier is a must-have player for all FPL managers in game week 8 squads.
Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
The List name on our defender’s list is none other than Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo. Cancelo has been in the form of his life. Originally right back but Pep managed to convert him into left back. Since starting playing at left back, Cancelo has made that spot in the Manchester City lineup his own. He has become their go-to left-back since last season.
This season, the Portuguese have produced four opportunities with an xA of 0.3 and one goal with an xG of 0.3. Along with offensive victories, he also had three clean sheets in his previous six outings. Now coming onto his FPL points, Cancelo has recorded 33 points in 6 games averaging 5 points per game.
With Manchester City facing Wolves who aren’t having a good season so far. It is quite possible that Cancelo will have returns at both ends of the pitch. Thus Cancelo is another good option FPL managers can consider having in their squads for Gameweek 8.
